tree, you will seek the opposite gate," he pursues, "by which you
are to retreat; and will there find Wealth seated, and on the
watch. Here you are to make an offering of a portion of the
branch, that Avarice, who plays the porter, may open to you
quickly; a wretch who asks the more, the more you give. Here, too,
you will see Pomp and Honour, Flattery and Hospitality, Ambition,
Grandeur, and Favour: then Inquietude and Torment, Jealousy,
Suspicion, Fear, Solicitude, and Terror. Behind the door stand
Hate, and Envy with a bow for ever bent."
"Prasildo having received his full instructions, now crosses the
desert, and, after thirty days' journey, arrives at the garden.
Here he easily passes the gate of Poverty, the entry of which no
one defends. On the contrary, there ever stands some one near it,
to encourage and invite.
"Having entered the inclosure, he advances, holding his shield of
glass before his eyes; and reaching the tree, against which Medusa
was leaning, the Fairy, who raises her head at his approach, and
beholds herself in the mirror, takes to flight; scared, it seems,
by seeing reflected in it the head of a serpent; though in other
eyes her beauty is divine.* Prasildo, hearing the Fairy fly,
uncovers his eyes, which were before protected by his shield, and
leaving her to escape, goes directly to the tree, from which he
severs a branch. Then, pursuing the directions received, makes for
the opposite gate, where he sees Wealth, surrounded by her
followers. This gate, which is of load-stone, never opens without
noise, and is for the most part shut: Fatigue and Fraud are the
guides who conduct to it. It is, however, sometimes open; but
requires both luck and courage to enable any one to profit by the
chance. It was open the day Prasildo came, and he made the
offering of half the bough, as he was instructed, and escaped with
the remainder of his prize.
* The circumstance of Medusa not being able to contemplate the
reflection of her own hideous appearance, though beautiful in the
sight of others; the fact of no one being able to win the golden
bough which she kept, but by refraining from looking her in the
face; and other circumstances, confirm the conjecture which I have
hazarded in a preceding note.
"Transported with pleasure, he issues from the garden, passes
through Nubia, crosses the Arabian Gulf with a fair wind, and
journeys day and night till he arrives in Babylon.
"Arrived there, he sends immediate news of his success to Tisbina,
who is in an agony at learning the unexpected result of her
device. Iroldo is rendered equally miserable, but insists upon the
necessity of her redeeming her promise, though he knows he cannot
survive its execution. She feels that she can as ill survive
Iroldo; and they at last resolve, that faith must be kept with
Prasildo, and that they will both die. They accordingly send to an
aged apothecary for a deadly draught, which they divide between
them; and each having swallowed a due portion, Iroldo covers his
face and throws himself on his bed, while the yet more miserable
Tisbina proceeds to the residence of Prasildo. Here she attempts
to dissemble her sorrow and to feign a cheerfulness, foreign to
her heart. But Prasildo detects the imposture, and at last extorts
a full confession of the truth. This declared, he reproaches her,
as having little faith in his generosity, with a bursting heart
renounces the proffered happiness, and dismisses her with an
affectionate kiss.
"Tisbina, who had assured him that if she had known him first, she
should have loved him as devotedly as she did her husband, now
departs, overflowing with gratitude, and returns to Iroldo who was
still unaffected by the draught, but prostrate on the bed. She
relates to him the sacrifice of her lover. The husband springs
from his couch, thanks God for this last mercy, and invokes every
blessing upon the head of Prasildo. While he is yet praying, he
sees the countenance of Tisbina change, who sinks, as if overcome
by sleep. The husband sees the operation of the drink with horror,
and is transported from his short fit of pleasure to a state of
the most agonizing despair.
"The situation of Prasildo is scarcely less intolerable; who
locked himself up in his chamber, in order to indulge his grief in
solitude, upon the departure of Tisbina. While he is shut up in
darkness, the ancient apothecary calls, and tells his valet that
Prasildo's life depends upon his immediate admission to him. The
valet was a native of Casazzo, of a merry humour and full of faith
and attachment, diligent, active, and experienced in all his
duties; but of a frankness which sometimes gave his master
offence. This man, having a master-key, admits the apothecary; who
excusing the intrusion by his zeal for Prasildo's repose, informs
him that he had that morning furnished the chambermaid of Tisbina
with a potion, by her mistress's order, which he believed was
destined for his destruction, as Tisbina had been shortly
afterwards traced to his house; but adds, that he need be under no
apprehension, even if he has swallowed the draught: since, in the
apprehension of mischief, he had substituted a mere sleeping-potion,
the effects of which were only calculated to last for a
few hours.
"Prasildo, transported with joy, immediately flies in search of
Iroldo, whose stronger constitution had as yet resisted the
soporific, and informs him of the joyful tidings of the
apothecary. Iroldo receives the news in such a manner as might
have been expected, and concludes with making Prasildo a return
such as he had never looked for. In a transport of gratitude, he
insists on his receiving Tisbina, and accordingly departs from
Babylon, leaving her yet asleep. On waking, she is combated by
opposing feelings; but at length, as the generosity of Prasildo
had made more impression on her heart, than she was willing to
confess, even to herself, yields to Iroldo's will, and takes
Prasildo for her husband."
The damsel was yet speaking, when a loud cry was heard, which
filled her with consternation. Rinaldo however, re-assuring her as
he best could, pressed forward through the wood (for they were
then in the centre of one) towards the quarter from which it
proceeded.
He soon perceived a giant standing under a vaulted cavern, with a
large club in his hand, and of an appearance to have struck the
boldest spirit with dread. On each side of the cavern was chained
a griffin, who, together with the giant, were stationed there for
the protection of the horse which was once Argalia's.
This monster of enchantment was the creature.
For of a mare, composed of spark and flame,
(Strange wonder, and beyond the laws of nature)
Made pregnant by the wind, the courser came;
Matchless in vigour, speed, and form and feature.
Such was his birth, and Rabican his name:
Who, with his fellow-steeds, disdain'd to share
The proffer'd corn or grass, and fed on air.
This marvellous horse being driven away by Ferrau, in the wood of
Arden, previous to his fatal encounter with Argalia, who had
possessed himself of him by enchantment, on finding himself at
liberty, returned to his native cavern, and was here stabled under
the protection of the giant and the griffins. Towards these
Rinaldo advances with deliberate valour, over ground whitened with
the bones of their victims. He is the first to smite at the giant,
but his stroke is rendered of no effect by the enchanted helmet of
his adversary. In a second blow he is more fortunate; but his
adversary, though wounded near the heart, escapes, and looses his
griffins. One of these immediately seizes the giant by a foot:
rises with him into the sky, hovers over Rinaldo's head, and at
length drops his burden, with intent to crush the intruder.
Rinaldo, however, who was as remarkable for his activity, as for
his strength and courage, shuns the descending mischief, and the
giant falls to the ground crushed, without harm to the paladin. In
the meantime, the other griffin, having towered in air, pounces
upon Rinaldo, who, watching his opportunity, wounds her
desperately in her descent. She has, however, strength enough to
soar a second flight, and swooping upon Rinaldo's helmet, loosens
its circle with her claws; tear it she could not, since this was
the enchanted helmet, which was once the head-piece of Mambrino.
In this manner the griffin repeats her attacks, and Rinaldo fends
and parries as he can; while the damsel stands trembling near, and
witnesses the contest.
The battle still continued, rendered more terrible by the approach
of night; when Rinaldo, fearing he should not be able to
distinguish his enemy, determined upon a desperate expedient, in
order to bring it to a conclusion. He fell, as if fainting from
his wounds, and on the close approach of the griffin, dealt her a
blow, which sheared away one of her wings. The beast, though
sinking, griped him fast with her talons, digging through plate
and mail: but Rinaldo plied his sword in utter desperation, and at
last accomplished her destruction.
The damsel now entreats Rinaldo to mount and proceed; but he
thinks the adventure ill accomplished, and proceeds towards the
entrance of the cavern. This was secured by a door,
Whose marble pannel a mosaic fill'd
Of pearl and emerald, sown with care so nice;
That he who saw the piece, if little skill'd,
Might deem it was a treasure passing price.
In the mid-picture lay a damsel kill'd;
And, writ in golden letters, the device
This legend bore: "Let whoso passes, plight
"His word to 'venge my death, and do me right;
"Or he shall die the death; but if he swear
"To slay the traitor who my death design'd;
"The enchanted courser shall the warrior bear,
"A courser that is swifter than the wind."
The prince stopt not to think; but plighted there
In solemn form, his promise, as enjoin'd;
His promise to avenge, alive or dead.
The slaughter'd damsel's blood, unjustly shed.
Then enters, and beholds the courser tied
With chains of gold, so famous for his speed.
With foot-cloth of white silk he was supplied.
And all things else convenient for his need.
Tho' coal-black all the rest, the tail was pied.
And starred with white the forehead of the steed;
And white one foot behind. Bayardo's might
Was more: but this had pass'd a dart in flight.
Rinaldo is delighted with his adventure, and, while surveying the
steed, beholds a book, secured by a chain, in which was written in
blood the history of the damsel's death.
The book related that Truffaldino, king of Baldacca, had a count
for his neighbour, distinguished for his virtues and
accomplishments, whom that evil-minded prince misliked on that
very account. His name was Orisello, and Montefalcon was that of
the castle where he resided. This lord had a sister as
distinguished for her merit, called Albarosa, who loved Polindo, a
noble knight of equal virtue and daring. The castle was built upon
a rock, and so well fortified, that Truffaldino, who had warred
upon the count, though he had made several assaults upon it, had
always been defeated in his attempts.
Things being in this state, Polindo, who had a great love for
travel, and often wandered from court to court, arrived at that of
Truffaldino; who, for his own evil views, shewed him great favour,
and having acquired his confidence, promised him assistance in his
designs upon Albarosa. As a means of forwarding these, he presents
him with a castle of pleasure, situated a day's journey from
Montefalcon; and Polindo having persuaded Albarosa to elope with
him, carries her thither; but while they are supping together,
with infinite delight, Truffaldino, who had entered the castle by
a subterraneous passage, unknown to its new possessor, breaks in
upon them with a party of his retainers, and binds them both. He
then dictates a letter to the lady, which he orders her to send to
her brother Orisello, in order to decoy him into his hands. She
refuses; when the tyrant puts her to the torture, in the presence
of Polindo, before whose eyes she expires, refusing compliance
with her latest breath.
Rinaldo, having read this dreadful history, swears anew to avenge
the treason, and, mounted upon Rabican, issues forth from the
cavern. He and the damsel, however, have not ridden far, when the
light fails them in a forest, where they dismount, secure their
horses, and compose themselves to rest.
Beside the maid with zest Rinaldo sleeps;
For him, nor time, nor place, nor beauty move.
From whence we learn the antidote, which keeps
The heart and mind from that which is above
All other cure; that he, who sows and reaps,
Or tilts and tourneys, never dies of love:
But in this book I am ill read, nor can
Bolt, as I would, such matters to the bran.
And now the air on every side grew light,
Though the sun shew'd not yet his golden ray;
With few and fading stars the sky was dight,
And the glad birds rang out their matin lay.
Such was the season, neither day nor night;
When the maid view'd Rinaldo where he lay;
Who from her grassy couch before had crept,
And watch'd the weary warrior as he slept.
Of lively visage, though composed to rest,
The lusty knight in early youth appear'd.
Light in the flanks, and large across the chest;
And on his lip scarce bloom'd the manly beard.
On him the damsel gazed with alter'd breast,
To her by new-discovered gifts endear'd:
For slumber ever gives the sleeper's face
I know not what of loveliness and grace.
While the damsel is engaged in contemplating the knight, she is
startled by a loud roar, and turning, sees a centaur with a live
lion, which he had just taken, in one hand, and a club and three
darts in the other. Rinaldo is at the same time awakened by the
sound, and grasping his shield, or rather the remnant of it, which
had been left by the griffin, advances to her assistance.
The centaur now leaves his prey, and flying to a little distance,
launches his darts at the paladin. These he avoids by his agility,
when the monster returns and charges him with his club. Rinaldo,
thus pressed, shelters himself, by placing his back against a
pine, and maintains the combat with Fusberta. The centaur, who had
at first seemed to have the advantage, in being able to curvet
about the knight, and threaten him behind and before, finding
himself deprived of this double means of annoyance, leaves him,
and gallops after the damsel, who had in the meantime seated
herself upon her palfrey. From this he snatches her in fury,
throws her on his own croup, and flies with her through the
forest.
Rinaldo, who is this while engaged in mounting Rabican, follows;
and, such is the swiftness of his horse, is almost immediately up
with the beast; who, being overtaken on the brink of a rapid
river, casts his burden into the stream, which carries it away.
Rinaldo and the centaur again join in battle; at first on the
shore, and afterwards in the water. The paladin at length slays
his savage opponent: but having slain the monster, is in doubt
what course to pursue.
He at last determines to proceed in the adventure in which he had
embarked, being especially moved thereto, by the hope of
delivering Orlando. Deprived then of the guidance of the poor
damsel, he resolves to steer the same northern course in which she
had before directed him.
Here, however, according to the author, Turpin leaves the story to
return to Albracca. Agrican was left there, surrounded and alone,
in the midst of his enemies. Whilst he is thus reduced to the last
extremities, he is saved by the very circumstance which threatened
him with destruction. The soldiers of Angelica, closing upon him
from all parts, had deserted their defences, and his own besieging
army enter these pell mell, in a part where the wall is
accessible.
In this way was Agrican rescued, the city taken by storm, and the
miserable inhabitants put to the sword. Angelica, however, with
some of the kings who were her defenders, and amongst whom was
Truffaldino, saved herself in the citadel, which was planted upon
a rock. Hither also came Sacripant when all beside was lost.
But though the situation of the fortress rendered it impregnable,
it was scantily victualled and ill provided with other necessaries
besides food. Under these circumstances, Angelica announced to
those blockaded with her in the citadel, her intention to go in
quest of assistance; and, having plighted her promise to come back
within a certain period, set out, with the enchanted ring upon her
finger.
Mounted on her palfrey, the damsel passed through the enemies'
camp at night, without having occasion to avail herself of the
talisman, and by sun-rise was many miles clear of their
encampment.
She at length arrives near Orgagna in Circassia, and here
encounters an old man weeping bitterly, who entreats her
assistance on behalf of his only son, who is dying of a fever. The
damsel, who was well skilled in medicine, promises succour, turns
her palfrey, and accompanies the elder.
This old man was a traitor, and his story a fiction, formed for
the purpose of getting her into his hands. He was, it seems,
employed to inveigle and capture damsels for the king of Orgagna,
and for this purpose brought those who followed him to a tower,
built over a river, which served him as a dungeon for his
prisoners. Angelica following him thither, the door closed upon
her, and she found herself a captive with many other dames and
damsels. Amongst these was Flordelis, the lady of Brandimart, who,
when cast into the river by the centaur, had drifted with the
current, and was taken up more dead than alive, by the wicked
elder. She now relates her adventures to Angelica, and tells her
how she was going, accompanied by Rinaldo, to the garden of
Dragontina, where Orlando, Brandimart, and many other valiant
knights were enchanted by that fairy.
Angelica treasures up their history in her mind, as useful to the
purpose which she had in hand, and on the door of the tower
opening, to admit a new victim, slips the ring into her mouth and
escapes.
Being again at liberty, she sets out for the garden of Dragontina,
and, entering it unseen, disenchants Orlando, Brandimart, and the
rest, by a touch of her talisman. These she conjures to assist her
in the recovery of her kingdom, and all depart together for
Albracca.
In the meantime a revolution had taken place in the citadel of
that metropolis. Truffaldino, always false, had surprised
Sacripant, and the other wounded princes in their beds, and cast
them into prison. This done, he sent a messenger to Agrican, with
an offer to deliver the fortress into his hands. Agrican, however,
received the proposal in a manner little expected by Truffaldino,
whom he reviled as a traitor and a coward; declared that he would
never be indebted to fraud, for that which he could have by force;
said he knew the extremities of the garrison, which must soon be
his, and declared, that as soon as the place was in his
possession, he would hang up Truffaldino by the heels.
Soon after this, Orlando, with his friendly squadron of knights
(nine in number), with Angelica in the midst of them, arrives
before Albracca; and charging through the camp of Agrican, arrives
at the foot of the citadel: this is, however, kept against them by
Truffaldino, who appears upon the walls, and declares that he will
only admit Orlando and his followers, on their swearing to protect
him for ever from the vengeance of Sacripant and the others; whom,
for his own safety, he has been under the necessity of casting
into prison. Orlando indignantly refuses; but, conjured by
Angelica, consents; as do the others who accompany him; and after
the oath has been taken as enjoined, the squadron enters the
fortress.
This, however, is found so destitute of food, that a sally is
resolved upon for the purpose of provisioning it: it is to be made
by Orlando, Brandimart, Adrian, Clarion, and Uberto of the Lion;
while Gryphon and Aquilant remain at home for the protection of
Angelica and the citadel.
Orlando and his friends having made the warder lower his
drawbridge, ride boldly towards the enemy's camp; and Agrican,
marking their scanty number, bids his squadrons stand apart, and
leave a fair field for himself and Orlando, who engage in a
desperate duel. While they are employed in this, with little
vantage on either side, and to their mutual astonishment at
finding themselves so equally matched, a loud larum is heard from
the citadel, which announces the arrival of succours.
This was an army, raised by Galaphron, for the relief of Albracca;
the vanguard commanded by a vassal giant; the second body by
Marphisa, a young Indian queen, who had made a vow in her infancy,
never to lay aside her armour, till she had taken three kings
prisoners, to wit, Charlemagne, Gradasso, and Agrican; while the
rear-guard was conducted by Galaphron himself. The van-guard, led
by the giant, is immediately engaged with the besiegers; and its
leader, armed with an immense hammer, deals such destruction
amongst their ranks, that all is speedily in confusion and
disarray.
Agrican, witnessing the rout of his followers, now entreats
Orlando, for his lady's love, that their combat may be suspended
till the morrow, in order to give him an opportunity of rallying
the fugitives. This Orlando not only grants, but offers to assist
him in his design. The offer is, however, courteously declined by
Agrican, who, flying in pursuit of the giant, unhorses him, and
leaves him desperately wounded to the daggers of his followers. He
himself charges the troops who come under the giant's conduct; and
the tide of battle is turned.
No attempt to stop the confusion of the vanguard is made by
Marphisa, who this time was retired from the field, and sleeping
under a tree.
But first the queen her chamber-wench bespoke.
"Attend to my command," Marphisa said,
"And when thou seest our Indian army broke,
"And Galaphron, its royal leader, dead,
"When all these things shall be, 'twere time I woke,
"_Then_, bring my steed and rouse me from my bed.
"But till these things shall be, such care delay,
"'Tis then this single arm shall change the day."
Galaphron now observing the rout of his vanguard, determines to
retrieve things, or perish in the attempt. With this resolution he
spurs towards the enemy; when Angelica, beholding his danger from
the walls, sends a messenger to Orlando, to entreat his assistance
for her father; reminding him that he fought beneath her eyes.
The author here leaves the story suspended, and returns to
Rinaldo; who journeying northward, in the direction which
Flordelis, the damsel of Brandimart, had first given him, arrives
at a fountain; where he finds a cavalier weeping upon the ground.
Having long observed his grief in silence, he at length dismounts
from his horse, and entreats the sorrowing knight to inform him of
its cause.
The stranger tells him that his misery is such as can find no
remedy but in death: nor does the fear of that oppress him; but
the knowledge that his death must be followed by that of another.
Rinaldo entreats him to explain how this can be, and prevails on
him to relate his history at length.
This the stranger began in the following manner: "About twenty
days' journey from hence is situated the famous city of Babylon,
of which Tisbina was the wonder; a lady alike renowned for her
charms and virtues. Of this treasure I became the possessor; yet,
having possessed her, found it my cruel duty to yield her to
another. For two years afterwards I wandered, almost deprived of
my reason; but time at last brought with it some alleviation of my
sorrow. To this common remedy of grief was united the reflection
that I had resigned her to the most virtuous and most courteous of
men; and that, however dear it might cost me, it was impossible to
repent my sacrifice.
"While I was thus wandering, my evil fortune led me into Orgagna,
whose rightful king, Poliphernus, was absent with the army of
Agrican; his kingdom having, during his absence, fallen into the
possession of an evil woman, who makes all strangers her prey.
This enchantress (for such she is), whose name is Falerina, has a
beautiful garden, which is only open towards the east; where a
serpent keeps the gate, to whom Falerina gives her unfortunate
prisoners to be devoured. The names of these are paired, a
cavalier and a lady, according to the order of their arrival; and
a couple is thus every day offered to the monster.
"I was amongst the prisoners of Falerina; when tidings of my
imprisonment, for my greater misfortune, reached the ears of
Prasildo, the noble gentleman to whom I had relinquished Tisbina.
Unknown to me, he immediately set out for the enchanted garden,
loaded with treasure, with which he attempted to accomplish my
release. All his endeavours, however, were vain; and desperate of
accomplishing it in any other way, he offered himself as a victim
in my place. This offer was accepted: I was thrust out of the
dungeon, and he remains a prisoner in my stead. This day is that
appointed for his sacrifice, which shall not be consummated,
whilst I am alive: for it is my resolution, when he is led out of
prison to be conducted to the place of punishment, to attack his
guards and perish in his defence. My single source of grief is,
that I shall not be able to purchase his deliverance with my
life."
Rinaldo bids the stranger be of better cheer, and offers to join
him in the attack of Prasildo's guards, to which Iroldo, who
conceives this will be a useless sacrifice of life, very
unwillingly accedes.
The issue of the attempt is, however, very different from what
Iroldo had anticipated. The rabble, who were conducting two
prisoners to the place of execution, are set upon by the knights,
and scattered on all sides; principally by the valour of Rinaldo.
In the male prisoner Iroldo recognizes Prasildo, as he had
expected; and the damsel turns out to be Flordelis. Rinaldo is now
impatient to crown his victory with the destruction of the
enchanted garden; but the damsel, his former guide, after vainly
seeking to terrify him by a description of the various monsters
and enchantments by which it was guarded, reminds him of the
imprisonment of Orlando, and his unaccomplished promise to achieve
the destruction of the garden of Dragontina. This consideration
prevails over his anxiety to demolish that of Falerina; and in
company with his two friends and the damsel, who all become
Christians in admiration of his prowess and in gratitude for their
deliverance, proceeds on his journey towards the garden of
Dragontina.
This however had been previously destroyed and effaced, even to
the last vestige, by the talisman of Angelica.
The knights, pursuing their journey towards its former situation,
meet on their way a fugitive from Agrican's army; who gives such
an account of the prowess of a champion who fought upon the part
of Angelica, that Rinaldo is persuaded this must have been
Orlando; though all are at a loss to imagine how he could have
been freed. They had not proceeded much farther, when they saw a
warrior under some trees, to whom a damsel was presenting a horse.
This warrior Flordelis recognized by her bearings for Marphisa,
and whom she especially counselled her companions to avoid. They,
however, and more especially Rinaldo, treated the caution with
contempt, and made boldly towards the virago.
As she is just mounting, to defy them to the joust, she is
approached by an elderly man, all in tears, who relates the
overthrow of Galaphron's vanguard, and entreats her assistance;
which she promises to bestow, as soon as she shall have unhorsed
and taken the approaching strangers.
Advancing against them, she first encounters and overthrows Iroldo
and Prasildo in succession, who are made prisoners by some of
Marphisa's followers, that were in waiting, together with the
attendant damsel. She next meets Rinaldo, and breaks upon him an
enormous lance, which had never yet failed her. Rinaldo too breaks
his upon the damsel, and both, casting away their broken spears,
encounter with their swords. Here Rinaldo's dextrous skill in
defence, and the superior temper of Fusberta, give him a temporary
advantage; and in parrying a blow of his opponent, he beats the
faulchion out of her hand. Full of fury, the virago deals him a
deadly blow on the face with her gauntletted hand in return, and
makes him reel in his saddle; while Rabican wheels round and
carries off his half-stupefied rider. Marphisa instantly springs
to ground and regains her sword, and Rinaldo recovering himself,
again spurs his courser to the encounter.
In the mean time, Orlando, at the command of Angelica, had
galloped to the assistance of Galaphron, at the head of his brave
companions, and had again changed the fortune of the day. He and
Agrican now meet a second time in the medley, and renew the
contest with more fury than before; and Agrican, being at last
convinced that it will be impossible for him to effect any thing
against Albracca but by the destruction of Orlando, determines to
bring the battle to a desperate issue, and in order to get his
adversary into a place where they shall be secure from
interruption, feigns to fly; and is followed by Orlando to an open
space in a wood, in the middle of which is a fountain. Here, after
mutual reproaches, they again charge each other with their swords,
and still with doubtful success. Night closes upon the combatants,
who have passed the greater part of the day in the interchange of
blows.
The two champions again suspend their combat almost of necessity,
and agree upon a truce till day-light. They accordingly lie down
together and engage in a friendly conversation. During this
Agrican makes out his antagonist to be Orlando; and Orlando seizes
the opportunity to attempt his conversion. Agrican, however,
receives the proposal with utter contempt, and observes that love
and arms are the only subjects of conversation becoming a knight.
This change of theme almost necessarily leads to the mention of
Angelica, and the rivals, being kindled by the discourse which
ensues between them, into new animosity, remount their horses and
attack each other in the dark.
The contest is thus continued with various success, and day breaks
upon this desperate and unheard-of duel. At length, however, the
fortune of Orlando prevails, and he after receiving many desperate
contusions (for wounded he could not be), inflicts a deadly gash
in his adversary's side.
Agrican is now deserted by his lofty spirit, and demands baptism
from the hands of Orlando:
While tears descending bathed his manly face,
The gentle count dismounted to his aid,
Then locked the wounded knight in his embrace,
Upon the fountain's grassy border laid:
And kiss'd his fading lips, and sought his grace,
And of the mischief done forgiveness prayed.
The speechless Tartar king his head inclin'd,
And with the cross his brows Orlando sign'd.
When having to his sorrow found that he
Was breathless, and all vital warmth was fled;
He weened his gallant spirit was set free,
And by the crystal fountain left him dead;
Clad as he was in armour cap-a-pe,
With sword in hand, and crown upon his head:
Then first towards his courser turn'd his view,
And in that steed the good Bayardo knew.
He is assured of this by a closer examination of the gentle horse,
who comes neighing to greet the kinsman and comrade of his master.
Mounted upon him, and leading his own Brigliadoro, the count
leaves the place, but has not rode far, before he hears the clash
of weapons; when, having first secured Brigliadoro, he rides in
the direction of the sound; and, guided by it, discovers a damsel,
whom three giants were conducting, with a camel and much treasure,
which they had carried away by force. One of the giants had charge
of the lady; while the other two maintained a combat with a
cavalier: but this story is broken off, by the author, who hastens
to tell the effects, produced by the death of Agrican.
All was rout and dismay in the Tartarian army; and Galaphron
entering the enemy's camp, set free Astolpho and the other
prisoners, who were detained there. Astolpho is scarcely presented
to Angelica, before he demands the means of avenging himself on
the enemy, and being furnished with a horse and arms, immediately
returns into the field. Here he is fortunate enough to meet one
clad in his own armour, and armed with the enchanted lance.
Of these he immediately repossesses himself, and joins Galaphron
and his troops, who had pursued the flying enemy to the banks of a
river, fast by where Rinaldo and Marphisa were still engaged.
Marphisa was protected by enchanted harness, yet was armed with
but half a sword; which, as related, was severed by Fusberta. On
the other hand, the greater part of Rinaldo's defensive armour had
been hewed away.
Galaphron instantly knows Marphisa by her cognizance, but is at a
loss to distinguish Rinaldo; till, observing Rabican, who had
belonged to Argalia, he conceived that he saw in him the murderer
of his son. Under this persuasion he rode at Rinaldo, and smote
him with all his force, when Marphisa, enraged at this
interference, immediately turned her arms against her aged
commander. Brandimart and others coming up, rescue him from the
hands of the virago, whom they take for some warrior of the Tartar
troops; when Rinaldo, as generous as Marphisa, not enduring to see
his former enemy overlaid with odds, joins her against those with
whom she is now engaged. The main body of Galaphron's army coming
up, reinforces the enemies of Marphisa; who is on her part
supported by the arrival of her own division, by whose succour,
joined to that of Rinaldo, she is enabled to repel the assailants.
All this time, Iroldo, Prasildo, and Flordelis, were standing at
some distance, and the damsel of Marphisa, was entertaining them
with a history of the feats and prowess of her mistress. Flordelis
is by this alarmed for the safety of Brandimart, one of the first
who had assailed Marphisa, and goes in search of him amongst the
warriors, whom the virago and Rinaldo had scattered, and who were
making, in utter rout and confusion, for Albracca. She, however,
to her infinite content, finds him safe and standing apart from
the fray, he having separated from the enemies of Marphisa, after
she was oppressed by numbers. The happy lovers, thus re-united,
retire into a neighbouring wood, and after giving a loose to their
mutual tenderness fall asleep upon the grass.
Here, however, a new and unexpected peril was impending. Their
caresses were unfortunately overseen by a hermit, who dabbled in
necromancy, and who, excited by the beauties of Flordelis,
determined on making her his prize. Among other secrets, he was
possessed of a root, which had the faculty of throwing the person
to whom it was applied, provided it touched any part of the naked
body, into a profound and indissoluble sleep. Armed with this, he
approaches Flordelis, lifts her coats, and applies it to her
thigh. Having thus so riveted her natural slumber, that he was
sure she could not wake for an hour to come, the hermit snatches
her up, and bears her off; being afraid to try the virtues of his
root upon Brandimart, lest he should awake before the charm was
consummated.
Brandimart slept soundly till he was awakened by a loud noise. At
the same moment he missed Flordelis: yet, notwithstanding his
unutterable grief, approached the quarter, from whence the sound
proceeded, in which he distinguished the cries of a woman in
distress.
On his arrival he found three giants, who were conducting a file
of camels. Two of them followed, and another preceded the string,
leading one, on which was seated a damsel, with dishevelled hair
and weeping bitterly. In her Brandimart believed that he
recognised Flordelis, and galloped in fury against the ravishers.
The giants instantly prepare to resist him, and in the combat
which follows, he is put to great peril, and loses his horse.
It is at this moment that Orlando, who had lately slain Agrican,
comes to his succour. His assistance renders the combat more
equal: but Brandimart, though he has killed one of the giants, is
beaten down by another. Orlando, however, avenges him on his
enemy, and clears the field. He has now leisure to look to his
bleeding friend, and finding there is yet life in him, consigns
him to the care of the rescued damsel, who applies the proper
medicaments to his wounds.
Marphisa and Rinaldo were this while still in full pursuit of
their enemies, who found refuge within the citadel of Albracca.
Marphisa having chased them up to the gates, menaced Galaphron
with vengeance; and, indeed, she and Rinaldo had now a common
cause. Marphisa on account of her recent quarrel with her former
leader; and Rinaldo since the fountain of hate had disposed him to
enmity with Angelica, and the oath, he had sworn on winning
Rabican, bound him to take vengeance on Truffaldino, one of her
defenders. They accordingly sit down before the place, and, on the
second day, Rinaldo appears beneath the walls, sounds his horn and
defies Truffaldino, king of Baldacca by the titles of traitor,
renegade and tyrant.
There were at this time, within the fortress, many warriors who
had sworn to defend him against Sacripant and Torindo, whom he had
imprisoned, and against all others whatsoever. Truffaldino calls
on these to fulfil their engagement, and several knights, with the
traitor king in the midst of them, descend from the citadel to do
battle with Rinaldo, on his behalf.
These were the brothers Gryphon and Aquilant, who had enchanted
horse and armour; Uberto, Adrian, and Clarion. They attack Rinaldo
singly and successively. He soon defeats the two first comers, but
he finds himself better matched with Gryphon of the enchanted
arms; with whom he engages in a long and doubtful battle, after a
fruitless expostulation and attempt to negotiate on the part of
Gryphon.
Leaving these, the author returns to Brandimart; who, restored to
life by the skill of the damsel, whom he and Orlando rescued from
the giants, is rendered desperate by the discovery, that she is
not Flordelis. He curses the hour in which he was rescued from
death, as well as that in which he was born, and recapitulates all
the circumstances of his life in the following apostrophe:
"Thou took'st me, Fortune, from a royal dome,
"(Such early blow thy deadly malice gave;)
"And I, thus ravished from my noble home,
"In other lands was sold to be a slave;
"And now, long doomed in foreign climes to roam,
"But her remember to whose breasts I clave;
"(My father's and my country's name effaced,)
"My mother's in my mind is only traced.
"Never did evil destiny so lour,
"As upon me; to early bondage sold,
"With one, entitled Lord of the Sylvan Tower:
"When, but to make me suffer sevenfold,
"Softened awhile appear'd the faithless Power;
"And the good Master of the Sylvan hold
"Freed me; and having none his name to bear,
"Of his broad lands and living made me heir.
"But Fortune had so marked me for her prey,
"That to fill up the bitter cup of woe,
"Fairest among the fair, a damsel gay
"She chose in her displeasure to bestow;
"Simply to take the precious prize away.
"Then can I choose but sink beneath the blow?
"O thou, that hast renewed my fleeting breath,
"Undo thy work, and give me back to death."
Orlando, and the charitable damsel sympathise deeply in his grief;
and the lady, to prove, at least, that he was not single in his
sorrows, begins the narration of her own adventures.
She informs him, that she was daughter and heir of the king of
_the Distant Isles_, where all the treasure of the earth is
accumulated. Gifted with beauty and destined to inherit such
riches, two lovers came to demand her in marriage on the same day,
Ordauro and Folderico; the one handsome and the other more than
seventy years old. The first distinguished by his prowess, the
second by his wisdom and riches. The damsel's father inclined in
favour of Folderico; but the damsel hoped by a sleight to transfer
herself to Ordauro.
She had accordingly obtained a boon from the monarch; and this
was, that no one should have her to wife, who had not previously
vanquished her in the foot-race. By this, she considered herself
as secure of success; but Folderico countermined her stratagem.
Being paired with her in the course, he had recourse to the
expedient of dropping three golden apples, and the damsel was
distanced by the same means as Atalanta. Thus the old man won his
wife; who, however, determined on taking such vengeance as was in
her power.
Here the lady, who was her own historian, observed Brandimart's
distraction; who being charged with it, confessed that he had
neither eyes nor ears but for Flordelis, and that he should never
regain possession of himself, till she was found. On this the
damsel and Orlando, who was mounted on Bayardo, and had resigned
his Brigliadoro to Brandimart, as before related, offer to
accompany him in an attempt to recover her, and they immediately
proceed upon their search.
Flordelis, in the interval, had been carried off by the hermit to
a cave; where she woke at the moment that a lion, who harboured
there, sprang forth to punish the intrusion of the ravisher: who
instantly dropt his plunder and fled. The beast, however, passing-by
the proffered prey, follows and tears in pieces the hermit who
had cast it down. Flordelis, while he is thus employed, escapes.
She, however, only gains a present respite from misfortune; for,
flying at random, she falls into the hands of a hairy savage in
the forest, who binds her to a tree with twigs; and then, gazing
stupidly upon her, casts himself down at a little distance.
Brandimart was this while in pursuit of her, in the same wood,
accompanied by Orlando and the damsel of the golden apples, who
was seated upon his courser's croup. Orlando now entreats that she
will finish her story, which she continues.
Folderico who had won the damsel, carried her to a tower, which he
possessed upon the sea-shore, called Altamura, where he kept her,
together with his treasure, under lock and key, and utterly
secluded from the sight of man.*
* As the author is indebted to Greek fable for the beginning, so
he is to Norman story for this subsequent adventure, which is
taken, with some variation, from an old _fabliau_. See Barbasan's
or Le Grand's _fabliaux_. The story would seem to be of Eastern
origin.
But what will not love? Ordauro who was also rich, though not so
wealthy as Folderico, purchased a sumptuous palace in the
immediate neighbourhood of Altamura, and at an immense cost made a
subterraneous passage from his palace to the damsel's prison; by
which he visited and enjoyed her without danger. At last, however,
the lovers, tired of the restraint under which they carried on
their intercourse, and emboldened by success, determined to make a
desperate effort to escape.
With this view Ordauro communicates to Folderico news of his
approaching nuptials with another daughter of Monodontes; for so
was called the king of the Distant Isles; and invites him, as his
brother-in-law, to the marriage feast. Folderico having carefully
secured the gates of his tower, goes thither, and finding his wife
installed as bride, becomes ferocious at the sight. Ordauro,
however, with great difficulty, succeeds in appeasing him, by the
assurance that she was a twin-sister of his own wife, to whom she
bore a perfect resemblance; and, by bidding him return to his
tower and satisfy himself of the fact. The means of proof appeared
decisive, and accordingly Folderico accepts them. He finds his
locks as they were left, and his wife, (who had returned by the
subterraneous passage and changed her dress,) alone and overcome
with melancholy. He again takes the way, which was somewhat
circuitous, to the palace of Ordauro, and again finds her there,
shining in all the festivity of a bride. He can no longer resist
the conviction that the two persons, whom he had seen, were
different women; lays aside his distrust, and even offers to
convoy the bridegroom and his bride on a part of their journey
towards Ordauro's natural home, to which he was returning.
A certain advantage was thus gained; since Folderico never left
his tower, though locked, for above an hour, and consequently
would have soon discovered his loss, if the lovers had eloped in
secret.
The party set out together; and at the end of the first day's
journey, Folderico turns back and gallops to his tower. He is now
first assured of his disgrace. Full of rage, he pursues his rival;
but does not dare make any attempt to recover his wife, till he
has separated Ordauro from his adherents. Having effected this by
a stratagem, he attacks his retainers, and repossesses himself of
the lady. He is destined to a short possession of the prize; for
he is, on his return, beset by giants, who seize her, and all his
treasure; which the wife was carrying off as a dowry to her new
lord. He himself escapes.
Orlando listened with curiosity to this relation: but Brandimart,
who only thought upon Flordelis, separated from his companions in
order to pursue a separate search. Whilst he is engaged in this,
he hears her cries, and, directed by them, finds her bound to the
tree. He dismounts from his horse to assist her, and is about to
loosen her bonds, when he is attacked by the savage, armed with a
rustic club and shield. This strange woodman is described as
gifted with extraordinary strength of body, and distinguished by
some strange propensities:
He dwelt in woods, and on their produce fed,
And drank the limpid brook which bubbled by:
And (such his nature) ever, it is said,
Wept, when he saw a clear and cloudless sky:
Since, fearful of the sign, he lived in dread,
That tempest, clouds, and cold, and rain were nigh,
But joy'd in thunder and in hail; since he
Hoped warmer suns and happier days to see.
This savage, but for the exclamation of Flordelis, would have
surprised Brandimart in the act of untying her. Being warned by
her of his danger, he guarded himself against his attacks, which
required all his skill and courage to repel. He indeed hewed in
pieces the rustic weapon with which he was armed; but the monster,
closing with him, grasped him in his arms, and attempted to cast
him down a precipice, when he fortunately escaped from his
embrace.
The savage finding himself foiled in this hope, and weaponless,
now flew to a sapling, which he was trying to pluck up by its
roots, when the knight killed him while engaged in the attempt.
Brandimart now releases Flordelis, seats her on his horse's croup,
and goes in pursuit of Orlando, from whom he had separated.
Whilst he is thus engaged, the author resumes the story of
Albracca. Rinaldo was left in close combat with Gryphon, whom he
at last stunned with a desperate blow. When Aquilant, believing
his brother killed, took up the conqueror. Gryphon, however,
reviving from the effects of the stroke, returned to the charge.
Marphisa seeing Rinaldo thus oppressed with odds, came to his
assistance; and others again of those sworn to defend Truffaldino,
who was an unwilling spectator of the fray, took part against her
and Rinaldo. Orlando was, this while, pursuing his way in search
of Brandimart, while Brandimart as vainly sought him through the
forest.
Whilst Orlando is thus engaged, he sees a damsel issue from a wood
upon a palfrey, who bears a book and horn. Addressing herself to
the count, she tells him, that, if he is what his countenance
bespeaks him, the fairest adventure awaits him, which ever was
achieved by knight; and which, indeed, had hitherto foiled the
prowess of all who had attempted it, who remained prisoners in the
enchanted garden, which she invites him (if he has the courage
sufficient for such an adventure) to attack. Orlando accepts the
proposal with rapture; the damsel presents him with the book and
horn; both necessary for the achievement of the enterprize; and,
having instructed him in the use of them, retires to a distance.
Orlando accordingly, having first disposed of the other damsel
whom he carried behind him, sounds the bugle, and a rock opens,
from which issue two ferocious bulls, with horns of iron, and
strangely coloured hair turned contrary to the natural grain:
And sometimes green; now black, now white it seemed,
Now yellow, and now red; and ever gleamed.
Orlando learned from the book, by whose rules he was to proceed,
that he was to bind these beasts; and this done, was to enter the
opening, from which they sallied, and plow with them the space
within. Such was to be his first labour.
The bulls long maintained a severe fight with the champion, and
often tossed, though they could not gore him: at length he so
fatigued them by repeated blows from Durindana, (for their skin
was as impenetrable as his own,) that he was enabled to master
them, seized them by their horns, and bound them separately, with
Bayardo's bridle, to an adjoining column, which was the monument
of the king Bavardo. He then made a plow of Durindana, the point
of which served as a share and the hilt as a handle, yoked the
bulls to the instrument, and having torn off the limb of a tree
for a whip, ploughed, the field as he was directed. The work
accomplished, he loosed his beasts, who ran roaring through the
wood, and disappeared behind a mountain.
Orlando now devoutly thanks God for his first success, and the
damsel of the book and horn, having dismounted from the palfrey in
the meadow, wreaths her brows with the flowers which it produced.
Orlando, however, does not allow himself a longer truce, but
sounds a second challenge on his enchanted bugle.
Upon the second sound, the earth trembles, and a neighbouring hill
vomits forth flame; which is followed by the appearance of a fiery
dragon. The damsel of the golden apples is now about to fly; but
she of the book and horn bids her
——"in faith and hope, stand near,
"For only he who proves the quest need fear."
The damsel of the golden apples, who resented Orlando's coldness
during their journey through the forest, observes she is glad that
he only is in danger, and that she cannot regret what may happen
to him;
"In that there lives not a more worthless wight."
This reproach reaches Orlando's ears, as he consults his book.
This guide taught him that his only means of safety consisted in
cutting off the dragon's head, before he was consumed by the flame
and venom, which issued from her mouth. The head cut off, he was
to perform the labour of Jason, and sow the field in which he had
laboured with the serpent's teeth. From these was to spring a crop
of armed men; and, if he saved himself from their swords, he might
esteem himself the flower of chivalry.
He has scarce learned his lesson, when the serpent is upon him.
Orlando protected himself from her assault with his shield; but
this and all his armour was consumed by the flame which she
vomited forth. He contends long with the monster, enveloped in
fire and smoke, but at last separates her head at a blow. He
immediately draws the teeth, puts them into his helmet, and sows
them as the book had enjoined. The effect followed which had been
foretold.
First, feathers sprouting from the ground appear,
By little and by little; then a crest;
And next is seen the bust of cavalier,
Furnish'd with manly limbs, and spreading chest.
Foot in the front, and horsemen in the rear;
They rise and shout, and lay the lance in rest;
And, drums and trumpets sounding to the charge,
Level the spear, and lift the covering targe.
Orlando, however, though he had neither lance nor shield left him,
soon reaps this harvest with Durindana; and the seed of the
serpent thus springs and perishes in a day.
The victory achieved, he blows the third and last blast upon his
horn, which the author thus prefaces:
These dragons and these gardens, made by spell,
And dog, and book by witch or wizard writ,
And savage hairy man, and giant fell,
And human face, to monstrous form ill fit,
Are food for ignorance, which you may well
Decypher, that are blest with shrewder wit:
Then muse upon the doctrine sage and sound,
Which lies conceal'd beneath this rugged ground.*
* The Italian reader will here again trace some lines of Dante.
Such matter as is excellent and rare,
And things of scent or savour, rich or fine,
In open hand we do not loosely bear;
Nor cast such pearls to be defiled of swine.
Nature, great mistress, teaches better care.
Who loves the flower with fencing thorns to twine;
And covers well her fruits, and things of mark;
The kernel with its stone, the tree with bark;
A safe defence from bird, and beast, and storm;
And has conceal'd the yellow gold i' the ground,
Jewels, and what is rare for tint or form;
That these may be with cost and labour found.
And vain and witless is th' unwary swarm
Who show their wealth, if they with wealth abound.
The mark, at which knave, thief, and cheater level;
And so by matchless folly tempt the devil.
As duly would it seem to square with reason.
That good should be with toil and trouble bought.
And to obtain it otherwise were treason,
Than by activity of deed and thought.
'Tis thus we see, that art and labour season
The victual, which without their aid is nought;
And simple viands, in their nature good,
Convert to sweeter, and more savoury food.
If Homer's Odyssey appear compounded
Of lying legends, deem not these unfit;
Nor, reading of some god or goddess wounded,
Let this aught scandalize your weaker wit:
For who the secrets of the sage has sounded,
Well knows, that for the sage, the poet writ;
And veils a different thing, from that which lies
Open to them, who see but with their eyes.
But stop not ye, content, at the outer rind;
Be not as these, but seek what is within;
For if no better nourishment you find,
You will have made small progress for your sin,
And see in these strange emblems ill-divined,
But sick men's dreams, and fables. Then begin
A better task, their secret meaning measure,
And turn the stubborn soil for hidden treasure.
Returning to the story, Orlando sounded his horn a third time;
and, on the echo dying away, was disappointed by the appearance of
a little white bitch-hound.
This, the damsel of the book, in hopes to stay the count, who was
now disposed to depart, assured him was that which was to crown
his toils.
She explains herself, by informing him, that in a neighbouring
lake is an island, the residence of the Fata, Morgana, whom God
has set over riches; which she
"Distributes in the bowels of the mount,
"Whence they are dug with long fatigue and pain;
"And hides them in the river and the fount,
"In India; where ants work the golden vein.
"Nor let the tale seem strange, which I recount,
"Since two fair fishes feed upon the grain.
"Now good Morgana the bitch-hound has sent
"To guerdon thee with treasure and content:
"The wondrous Fay, for various riches vaunted,
"Mistress of all that seas or earth enfold,
"Is owner of a hind, in this enchanted;
"That she is white, and armed with horns of gold;
"And that by her no forest long is haunted,
"Still restless and impatient of a hold.
"Her many hunters vainly seek to catch;
"But you may take her with this little brach.
"Who soon shall rouse her from her secret lair,
"Yelping upon the trail with questing cry:
"Thou shalt pursue, thro' holt or desert bare,
"Though hound and hart more swift than arrow fly:
"Six days shalt thou pursue the flying pair;
"But on the seventh cease the chase to ply.
"Since in a fount the milk-white hind shall soil,*
"And thou be guerdon'd for thy tedious toil.
* The technical phrase for a stag taking the water: as he usually
does when distressed. Hence our view-hollo of "Tayo!" for the
stag, is taken from the old French cry of "_Taihors_," or "out of
the swamp!" as our "Tally ho!" for the fox, is derived from
"_Taillis hors!_" or "out of cover!" which last etymology we learn
from Lady Juliana Berners. All our hunting phraseology indeed is
Norman; even where we should be least inclined to trace it to such
a source. Thus the cry of "Hiloicks! Hiloicks!" used by us in
trying a cover, we find in her precepts to be "Illocques,
Illocques!" or "There! There!" The Normans indeed formed both our
hunting code and hunting vocabulary. See many well founded
allusions to this in Ivanhoe.
"Six times a-day (such riches shalt thou measure)
"She sheds her horns; which yield an hundred weight.
"And thus shalt thou collect such mighty treasure
"As may defy the wit of man to rate;
"Thrice blest, if countless wealth can purchase pleasure;
"To this perchance deserve a happier fate;
"And with the hind obtain what is above
"That precious prize, the beauteous fairy's love."
Orlando however treats the temptation with contempt, and
unwillingly seating the damsel of the golden apples behind him,
casts down the book and horn, and departs.
Proceeding with her, he arrives at a bridge, where he meets with
an armed cavalier, who claims the damsel as his own. This turns
out to be Ordauro, to whom Orlando resigns her with great
satisfaction, and pursues his journey to Albracca.
Here the strife was still continued between Rinaldo and Marphisa,
united on the one part; and Gryphon and Aquilant, and all those
confederated to defend Truffaldino on the other. Rinaldo having in
this gained some advantage over his immediate opponents,
Truffaldino, who was present, fled into the citadel. This put a
short stop to hostilities, and the combat was suspended till the
ensuing day; when Truffaldino was to be again produced, and to
abide its issue.
In this interval two important circumstances occur. Astolpho (who
was Agrican's prisoner, when those, who entered Albracca with
Angelica, took the engagement to defend Truffaldino) learning from
Gryphon, that Rinaldo had been his antagonist, changes sides, and
goes over to his cousin.
To counterbalance this loss to the besieged, Orlando arrives in
Albracca, and is received with open arms by Angelica.
On the ensuing day the combat is renewed between the former
parties with the addition of Astolpho on one side, and of Orlando
on the other. In this Orlando and Rinaldo single each other out,
and after bitter reproaches, Rinaldo reproving Orlando for his
defence of a traitour, and Orlando twitting Rinaldo for his
robberies and evil life, engage in a furious combat; but here
Orlando is ill seconded by Bayardo, who will not advance against
his own master.
At this moment Rinaldo sees Truffaldino treacherously unhorse
Astolpho, and pursuing him, (for the traitour flies upon his
approach,) comes up with him before he is overtaken by his
defenders, makes him prisoner, and ties him by the feet to
Rabican's tail. With the wretch thus suspended, he gallops off at
full speed; the superior swiftness of Rabican rendering all
interference on the behalf of Truffaldino impossible; and drags
him at his horse's heels till he is dashed in pieces.
Whilst he is running this cruel course, Rinaldo thunders out
reproaches and threats against the abettors of the tyrant; and
Orlando, who had now obtained his own horse, Brigliadoro, through
the arrival of Brandimart, who joins him, renews his battle with
Rinaldo on personal grounds, the others considering themselves
released from the necessity of fighting him by the death of
Truffaldino.
Night however separates the two combatants, Rinaldo returning to
Marphisa's camp, and Orlando to the citadel of Albracca.
Here Orlando is received with all love and honour by Angelica; who
is, however, sighing in her heart for Rinaldo, and, with this
view, declares she will attend the duel which was to be renewed on
the morrow, and sends Sacripant, delighted with the task, to
demand a safe-conduct for her from Marphisa. Previously however to
Orlando's taking the field, she demands of him a boon; swearing
she will make him lord of her person, if he will promise to
undertake an adventure upon her bidding; and avails herself of
this promise, the next day, when the strife is at its hottest;
telling Orlando that enough has been done for honour, and
entreating him now to depart upon the promised quest; which was no
other than the destruction of Falerina's garden in the kingdom of
Orgagna.
The combatants being separated, and Orlando departed, Angelica
seeks to communicate with Rinaldo, but in vain; and returns
disconsolate to Albracca, from whence she sends a damsel to
Rinaldo with Bayardo, whom Orlando had dispatched to that fortress
on receiving Brigliadoro from Brandimart; but Rinaldo remains
unmoved by these various acts of kindness.
The scene is now again changed, and Orlando, whom Angelica had
dispatched upon what she conceived a fatal enterprise, pursues his
way towards Orgagna.
He arrives at a bridge, on which is seen a cavalier, armed at all
points, and mounted, as if for its defence. Near this was seen a
beautiful damsel, suspended by her hair to a pine, and weeping
bitterly. Orlando immediately moves to her relief; but is exhorted
by the armed cavalier to leave her to a fate, which she had well
deserved by her wickedness. In proof of which he proceeds to
relate her adventures.
"My name," pursued the knight, "is Uldano, and hers Origilla. We
were both born in the city of Bactria, and I, from earliest
infancy, conceived a passion for her, which grew with my growth,
and derived strength even from her fickleness. Another youth, of
the name of Lucrino, loved her equally with myself; and both were
so well kept in play by her artifices, that each believed himself
to be favoured.
"Being at length impatient of longer delay, I threw myself at her
feet, and entreated her to take compassion on my torments. She
appeared to meet my passion half-way; but told me, there was but
one mode in which I could gratify my desires without the sacrifice
of her honour, and suggested the following stratagem as the means.
"'You know,' said the damsel, 'that my brother, Corbino, though
scarcely arrived at manhood, was slain by Oringo in combat, a man
grown, and trained to arms. To avenge this treason, my father has
offered a large reward to him who shall take the murderer, and
would soon find one who would undertake to execute his revenge.
You shall bear the cognizance of Oringo, shall suffer yourself to
be taken, and thus procure admission into my father's house. Here
you shall receive the reward of your constancy, and I will
afterwards effect your deliverance.'
"I, senseless as I was, gave into the snare, and had scarce
departed, in order to assume the device and arms she suggested,
when the traitress called to her my rival, Lucrino, and told him,
that now was the time to win her by the death or capture of the
murderer of her brother; for she knew his motions, and where he
was to be found, indicating to him the place whither she had sent
me with his borrowed ensigns.
"To complete her purpose more effectually, she furnished him also
with the ensigns of a third lover, named Ariantes, to whom her
father had promised her in marriage, on condition of his avenging
him on Oringo.
"In the mean time, this Ariantes met and attacked me, taking me by
my cognizance for Oringo, and I yielded myself a prisoner, after
little resistance, in the hope of the reward promised by Origilla.
"Lucrino, who was, this while, dispatched by her in pursuit of me,
fell in with the real Oringo, and both were desperately wounded in
the combat which ensued. Lucrino had, however, strength enough
left to master his opposite, and was bringing him away prisoner,
when he was met by the father of Origilla, who at first judged him
to be Ariantes; but when undeceived on a nearer approach, offered
him his daughter in marriage, whom he had previously promised to
Ariantes on the same conditions, provided he would deliver up his
prisoner.
"The offer was scarcely accepted, when Ariantes arrived, bringing
in me, disguised in the arms of Oringo; and the whole stratagem
was now apparent.
"The clearing up this led to new contests: for Ariantes complained
of Lucrino's having taken his bearings; and Oringo thought himself
wronged in that his had been usurped by me.
"Now, to wear the ensigns of another is death by our law, unless
the penalty be remitted by him who has been offended; and the
cause being brought before the king, we were all condemned;
Oringo, for having slain (as before told) Corbino, who was a youth
scarcely capable of defending himself; Ariantes, for having
bargained away the life of another; and Lucrino and myself, for
having usurped arms and ensigns, which we were not entitled to
wear.
"Origilla was condemned to a yet heavier punishment; to wit, to be
hanged up by the hair till she was dead; while we, in the
expectation of our sentence, were to assist in the execution of
hers; and to keep watch and ward over her, as she wavered in the
wind. My lot (for we drew lots to determine the order of our
guard) happened to be the first, and I have already slain seven
knights, that would have relieved her; whose arms and bearings may
be seen fastened to the tree."
The knight had scarcely ended, when the wretched woman gave the
lie to his assertions, and denounced him as having slain those he
mentioned by treachery, hoping by the show of these trophies to
terrify others from attempting to defend her.
Orlando believes the lady, and defies and unhorses Uldano. He is
no sooner conquered, than a horn sounds, which a dwarf winds from
a tower's top; when another knight takes up the conqueror; and the
four concerned are all successively encountered, and dismounted,
by Orlando, who now cuts down the damsel, and departs with her
seated on his horse's croup.
Thus riding together, and beguiling the way with talk, they
descried, in the middle of a meadow, a huge rock of marble cut
into steps, and bearing an inscription in letters of gold; when
the damsel informs him they are near a notable wonder, which well
deserves his examination; since, if he will take the pains of
climbing this pile, which is hollow within, he may from the top
descry Hell and Paradise, opened to the sight below. Orlando
believes the tale, and ascends the steps, when Origilla having
possessed herself of Brigliadoro, laughs at him for his folly and
departs.
Orlando, now examining the inscription, finds it imports nothing
more than that this was the tomb of Ninus, the founder of Nineveh.
Little satisfied with the discovery, and cursing the damsel from
the bottom of his soul, he departs on foot, in order to prosecute
his adventure.
But here the author closes his first book, with the promise of
treating of higher and worthier matters in his second.
THE ORLANDO INNAMORATO.